Whole blood

Whole blood is human blood from a standard venipuncture which has not been processed or separated. This includes the four main components of blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Whole blood is used in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including trauma, surgery, and certain diseases.

Composition

Whole blood is composed of roughly 55% plasma and 45% cellular components. The cellular components are primarily red blood cells, but also include white blood cells and platelets. The plasma portion of whole blood is a yellowish liquid that carries cells, platelets, and dissolved substances throughout the body.

Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, make up the majority of the cellular components in whole blood. They are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returning carbon dioxide to the lungs to be exhaled.

White Blood Cells

White blood cells, or leukocytes, are part of the body's immune system. They help the body fight off infections by attacking bacteria, viruses, and other harmful invaders.

Platelets

Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets clump together to form a plug that helps prevent blood loss.

Plasma

Plasma is the liquid portion of whole blood. It is primarily water, but also contains proteins, hormones, minerals, and vitamins. Plasma serves as a transport medium for delivering nutrients to the cells of the body and carrying waste products away.

Uses

Whole blood is commonly used in medical treatments such as blood transfusion. It is especially useful in situations where patients have lost a lot of blood, such as in trauma or major surgery. Whole blood can also be used for diagnostic purposes, as it can be tested to determine blood type, detect diseases, and assess overall health.

Collection and Storage

Whole blood is typically collected through venipuncture, where a needle is inserted into a vein to draw blood. Once collected, whole blood can be stored in blood banks for future use. Proper storage conditions are crucial to maintain the viability of the blood components.

See Also

• Blood transfusion
• Blood donation
• Blood type
• Blood bank